Garmin Messenger™ vs DEF Reset
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Garmin Messenger™
Communicate globally with friends and family, even without cell service. Pair with a compatible satellite communicator for secure messaging and SOS capabilities. Enjoy automatic network switching for reliable connectivity and real-time location sharing.
- Global messaging
- Interactive SOS
- Group messaging
- Photo and voice messaging
- Automatic network switching
- Real-time location sharing (LiveTrack)
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Stay in touch with friends and family. Enjoy the security and connectivity of global messaging with the Garmin Messenger™ app. Pair with your compatible inReach® satellite communicator for fast, easy direct messaging and interactive SOS that’s not limited to cellphone coverage areas (active satellite subscription required). The app supports group messaging as well as photo and voice messaging when paired with a compatible Garmin device (1). Automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks gives you the best connectivity and efficiency for all your messaging. When you have connectivity, the app will work seamlessly even if your inReach device is turned off. Invite your friends and family to download the app to stay connected and keep the conversation going on and off the trail. With the use of the LiveTrack™ feature, loved ones can follow your location in real time (2) and see data such as distance, time and elevation. (1) See compatible devices at garmin.com/p/893837#devices (2) When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Earthmate® app or when used with your compatible inReach® technology-enabled Garmin device. Note: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
DEF Reset
This app helps users build enduring habits and discipline by tracking daily essential habits. Users can also interact with and compete against others on their personal improvement journey.
- Track eight essential daily habits
- Build enduring habits and discipline
- Interact with other users
- Compete with others
- Follow users on their path
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The Discipline Equals Freedom (DEF) Reset is a personal improvement and community app designed to instill enduring habits and discipline. Each day, you'll track eight essential habits and interact, compete, and follow others on the path
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Garmin Messenger™ at 4.6 against DEF Reset's 3.2. Garmin Messenger™ also leads on ratings volume (14K vs 116) and chart position (#81 vs unranked). DEF Reset's advantage is review sentiment (28% vs 19%) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Garmin Messenger™ holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin Messenger™ has 14K ratings behind it against 116, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 19% of Garmin Messenger™'s written reviews are positive against 28% of DEF Reset's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Garmin Messenger™ ships an update every 3 weeks, DEF Reset monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Garmin Messenger™ | DEF Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) — better | 3.2 (116 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 19.4% of reviews | 27.9% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 116 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #81 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 107 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Garmin | Jocko Publishing |
Customer experience
Garmin Messenger™
DEF Reset
User reviews
Garmin Messenger™
From 14K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Excellent app
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great messaging functionality
- 👍 Seamless cellular and satellite communication
- 🚀 Consolidated messaging experience
Room to improve
- 🐛 Activation and verification issues
- 🐛 Pairing problems with InReach devices
- 🐛 Buggy and unstable app
- 👎 Difficult to use and navigate
- 👎 Lack of support for older InReach models
DEF Reset
From 116 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast app performance
- 👍 Helpful for accountability and progress tracking
- 👍 Good community and social features
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- 🔍 Difficulty logging in or resetting password
- 🔍 Profile and settings issues
- 🔍 Unreliable video playback
Bugs and requests
Garmin Messenger™
Reported bugs
4 issues- No verification code received
- App freezes during activation
- Inconsistent behavior between app and device
- Messaging not working in areas with no cell coverage
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to message non-Messenger contacts
- Improved contact management and syncing
- Apple Watch compatibility
- Ability to delete messages on paired devices
- Better integration with Garmin Explore app
DEF Reset
Reported bugs
4 issues- Freezing on end-user license agreement
- Inability to update profile picture
- Inconsistent behavior across iOS versions
- Password reset issues and login failures
Requested features
3 requests- Year-round progress tracking and calendar
- Customizable workout and habit options
- Incentives or rewards for reaching milestones
In-app purchases
Garmin Messenger™
No in-app purchases
DEF Reset
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Garmin Messenger™ free?
Is DEF Reset free?
Which has better reviews, Garmin Messenger™ or DEF Reset?
Do Garmin Messenger™ or DEF Reset have ads?
Which is updated more often, Garmin Messenger™ or DEF Reset?
Other comparisons
